Bring outside inside with a variety of houseplants
Houseplants have been experiencing a renaissance in popularity.
Fiddle-leaf figs, Chinese money plants, string of hearts, snake plants, ZZ plants, prayer plants and philodendron are all on trend this year.
Houseplants have become social media darlings, and people can appreciate pics on Instagram feeds and Pinterest searches. The houseplant trend has brought a younger group of garden lovers into the nursery with a new regard for indoor gardening.
As with any new category of plants, folks want to know how to keep them alive. Indoor gardening is a new concept for many, and no one wants to make a mistake.
We must keep in mind that houseplants are actually outdoor plants from other countries, and we try to provide a false environment for their success. Sometimes we win, and other times we fail.
Three Elements to consider
There are three important elements to consider when thinking about adding houseplants to your home: exposure, temperature and hydration.
Exposure is as important in the home as it is in the garden. Some plants need more light, while other tolerate less. Your houseplant growing success starts with finding the right location for your chosen plant.
Philodendrons love lots of bright light. Their large leaves will stretch out of toward the brightness, so you’ll want to rotate this type of plant to balance the exposure. Philodendron are proud plants that look amazing elevated on a stand.
Rubber plants also need a bright spot in the home. This plant family has come a long way since Frank Sinatra sang about them in the ’40s. Now you can enjoy red leaves, nearly pink variegated leaves and cream and green variegated leaves. The trailing pothos will thrive in medium light, as well as schefflera, commonly called dwarf umbrella trees.
For those looking for a plant to enjoy in low light, you can’t beat a peace lily or snake plant. Both houseplants are easy to grow and tolerant of low to medium exposure.
Water
Watering is critical to any houseplant’s success. Too much water and they will rot; too little and leaves can show stress patches and defoliation.
Home temperature can also play a large role in your houseplant’s success. Many houseplants like a home kept in the comfortable 60s during the winter. Keep your eye on houseplants that might be exposed to cool drafts or near large windows while outdoor temperatures are cold.
Fiddle-leaf figs are members of the ficus family. They have a large rounded leaf with heavy veining. Fiddle-leaf figs will grow like small trees. They can be pruned in the spring to control their height. This popular houseplant will defoliate toward the bottom, exposing the trunk. Large specimens are very desirable and expensive. Fiddle-leaf figs like medium to high light and weekly watering.
ZZ plants are often called eternity plants, it is said that they will last for an eternity. They tolerate low to medium light. The easiness of this plant growth makes it a great gift.
String of hearts is a succulent-like hanging plant that will grow both indoors and out. Its tiny, heart-shaped leaves perfectly line fragile stems. String of hearts cascades and looks fresh in a small container on an end table or positioned on a shelf.
Houseplants add life and color to a home. If you have a corner that you don’t know how to accessorize, consider a houseplant this year.
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at gardengirl94517@yahoo.com